CN107850907B

CN107850907B - User control device with cantilevered display

Info

Publication number: CN107850907B
Application number: CN201680038068.6A
Authority: CN
Inventors: 约瑟夫·R·里比奇; 迈克尔·L·里比奇; 约翰·P·西波拉; 苏迪哈·辛哈; 胡利奥·A·阿布达拉; 维诺许·C·狄普蒂; 查尔斯·J·盖迪斯; 克劳迪奥·圣地亚哥·里贝罗; 迈克尔·F·柯纳基
Original assignee: Johnson Controls Technology Co
Current assignee: Johnson Controls Technology Co
Priority date: 2015-05-04
Filing date: 2016-05-04
Publication date: 2020-07-17
Anticipated expiration: 2036-05-04
Also published as: US20160327300A1; WO2016179320A1; AU2016257458A1; KR102125516B1; US10808958B2; US20180128508A1; EP3292452A1; KR20180004211A; CN107810369A; EP3292455A1; WO2016179314A1; US20180245811A1; CN107810368A; NZ737663A; JP2018524534A; EP3292454A1; WO2016179321A1; AU2016257459B2; EP3292451A1; US20160327302A1

Abstract

A thermostat includes a housing, a touch-sensitive display configured to display visual media and receive user input, and processing electronics configured to operate the touch-sensitive display. The housing includes a base and a display mount. The base includes a top wall, a bottom wall, a front wall connecting the top wall to the bottom wall, a first side wall connecting the top wall to the bottom wall, and a second side wall connecting the top wall to the bottom wall. The top wall, the bottom wall, the first side wall and the second side wall define an interior volume. The display mount depends upwardly from the top wall and includes a mounting surface perpendicular to the top wall of the base. The housing is not opaque. The display is attached to the mounting surface and is not opaque. The processing electronics are positioned within the interior volume.

Description

User control device with cantilevered display

Cross reference to related patent applications

The present application claims the benefit of U.S. provisional application No. 62/156,868 filed on day 5, month 4 of 2015, U.S. provisional application No. 62/247,672 filed on day 10, month 28 of 2015, U.S. provisional application No. 62/260,141 filed on day 11, month 25 of 2015, U.S. provisional application No. 62/274,750 filed on day 1, month 4 of 2016, U.S. provisional application No. 62/275,199 filed on day 1, month 5 of 2016, U.S. provisional application No. 62/275,202 filed on day 1, month 5 of 2016, U.S. provisional application No. 62/275,204 filed on day 1, month 5 of 2016, and U.S. provisional application No. 62/275,711 filed on day 6 of 2016, all of which are incorporated herein by reference in their entirety.

Background

The present disclosure relates generally to user controls and more particularly to thermostats for controlling a heating, ventilation and air conditioning (HVAC) system of a building or space.

Thermostats are typically components of HVAC control systems. Conventional thermostats sense the temperature or other parameter (e.g., humidity) of the system and control components of the HVAC system in order to maintain a set point for the temperature or other parameter. Thermostats may be designed to control heating or cooling systems or air conditioners. Thermostats are manufactured in many ways and use various sensors to measure the temperature and other desired parameters of the system.

Conventional thermostats are configured for unidirectional communication with networked components and are used to control HVAC systems by turning certain components on or off or by regulating flow. Each thermostat may include a temperature sensor and a user interface. The user interface typically includes a display for presenting information to a user and one or more user interface elements for receiving input from the user. To control the temperature of a building or space, a user adjusts the set point via a user interface of the thermostat.

Disclosure of Invention

One embodiment of the invention is directed to a thermostat that includes a housing, a touch-sensitive display configured to display visual media and receive user input, and processing electronics configured to operate the touch-sensitive display. The housing includes a base and a display mount. The base includes a top wall, a bottom wall, a front wall connecting the top wall to the bottom wall, a first side wall connecting the top wall to the bottom wall, and a second side wall connecting the top wall to the bottom wall. The top wall, the bottom wall, the first side wall and the second side wall define an interior volume. The display mount depends upwardly from the top wall and includes a mounting surface perpendicular to the top wall of the base. The housing is not opaque. The touch sensitive display is attached to the mounting surface of the display mount and the touch sensitive display is not opaque. The processing electronics are positioned within the interior volume of the base.

Another embodiment of the invention is directed to a thermostat that includes a housing, a touch-sensitive display configured to display visual media and receive user input, processing electronics configured to operate the touch-sensitive display, a plurality of wire terminals each configured to secure one of a plurality of control wires from an hvac system, a mounting plate configured to attach the housing to a mounting surface, a front cover removably attached to the housing, and a top cover removably attached to the housing. The housing includes a base and a display mount. The base includes a top wall, a bottom wall, a front wall connecting the top wall to the bottom wall, a first side wall connecting the top wall to the bottom wall, and a second side wall connecting the top wall to the bottom wall. The top wall, the bottom wall, the first side wall and the second side wall define an interior volume. The ends of the top wall, the bottom wall, the first side wall and the second side wall remote from the front wall define a planar rear surface of the base. The display mount depends upwardly from the top wall and includes a mounting surface perpendicular to the top wall of the base. The housing is not opaque. The touch sensitive display is attached to the mounting surface of the display mount and the touch sensitive display is not opaque. The processing electronics are positioned within the interior volume of the base. The wire terminal is positioned within the interior volume. The mounting plate is positioned within the interior volume of the base and removably attached to the base. The mounting plate includes apertures configured to allow a plurality of control lines to pass through the mounting plate into the interior volume of the base. The mounting plate includes a rear surface that is flush with the rear surface of the base when the mounting plate is attached to the base. The front cover covers at least a portion of the front wall and at least a portion of the bottom wall. The top cover covers at least a portion of the top wall, at least a portion of the first side wall, and at least a portion of the second side wall.

Another embodiment of the invention is directed to a thermostat that includes a housing, a touch-sensitive display configured to display visual media and receive user input, and processing electronics configured to operate the touch-sensitive display. The housing includes a base defining an interior volume and a display mount cantilevered from the base. The display mount includes a mounting surface perpendicular to an outer surface of the base. The housing is not opaque. The touch sensitive display is attached to a mounting surface of the display mount. The touch sensitive display is not opaque. The processing electronics are positioned within the interior volume of the base.

Another embodiment of the invention relates to a thermostat for use in a home control system for controlling building equipment. The thermostat includes a touch-sensitive display and a housing including electronic circuitry configured to monitor and control building equipment. The housing is configured for attachment to a mounting surface. The touch sensitive display is cantilevered from the housing such that only a first end of the touch sensitive display is connected to the housing.

In some embodiments, a touch sensitive display of the thermostat is transparent or translucent such that a mounting surface on which the thermostat is to be mounted is visible through the touch sensitive display. The touch sensitive display may comprise organic light emitting diodes and may also be flexible. The housing may comprise at least one sensor from the group consisting of: temperature sensors, humidity sensors, air quality sensors, proximity sensors, ambient light sensors, and biometric sensors. Additionally, the housing may further include a rear surface extending along a first plane and configured for attachment to a mounting surface, and the touch sensitive display may extend along a second plane substantially parallel to the first plane such that the first plane is spaced apart from the second plane by a distance.

In some embodiments, the thermostat may further comprise a light source configured to emit ambient light. The light source may be attached to the housing. The light source arrangement may also be arranged to provide light to a waveguide around a periphery of the touch sensitive display and configured to emit light from the periphery of the touch sensitive display. The light source may be configured to emit light in a direction towards the mounting surface and/or in a direction away from the mounting surface.

In some embodiments, all of the electronic components of the thermostat, except for the touch-sensitive display, are located within the housing. The housing may include a first end extending along a first plane and configured for attachment to a mounting surface and a second end offset a distance from the first plane and from which the touch sensitive display extends. The housing may include a housing body having a rear surface configured for connection to a mounting surface. The housing may also include a removable front panel having a contour that matches a contour of at least a portion of the touch sensitive display. The removable front panel may be curved downward and rearward relative to the rear surface of the housing body from a forward-most point of the removable front panel to a point of the removable front panel that is closest to the rear surface of the housing body. An upper edge of the removable front panel may be located proximate to a lower edge of the touch sensitive display.

Drawings

Fig. 1 is a front perspective view from above a thermostat showing visual media according to an exemplary embodiment.

Fig. 2 is a rear perspective view from above of the thermostat in fig. 1.

Fig. 3 is a front perspective view from above of the thermostat of fig. 1, without the visual media shown.

Fig. 4 is a rear perspective view from below of the thermostat in fig. 1.

Fig. 5 is a rear perspective view from below of the thermostat of fig. 1, with the mounting plate not shown.

Fig. 6 is a front view of the thermostat of fig. 1.

Fig. 7 is a front view of the thermostat of fig. 1 without the sensor lens shown.

Fig. 8 is a cross-sectional view of the thermostat of fig. 1 taken along line 8-8 in fig. 6.

Fig. 9 is a top view of the thermostat of fig. 1.

Fig. 10 is a top view of the thermostat of fig. 1 without the top cover shown.

Fig. 11 is a bottom view of the thermostat of fig. 1.

Fig. 12 is a side view of the thermostat of fig. 1.

Fig. 13 is a rear view of the thermostat of fig. 1.

Fig. 14 is an exploded view of the thermostat of fig. 1.

Fig. 15 is a perspective view of the thermostat of fig. 1 with the thermostat body shown separated from a mounting plate attached to a wall.

Fig. 16 is a perspective view of the thermostat of fig. 1 attached to a wall.

Fig. 17 is a front view of the thermostat of fig. 1 attached to a wall.

Fig. 18 is a side view of the thermostat of fig. 1 attached to a wall.

Fig. 19 is a side view of a thermostat attached to a wall according to an exemplary embodiment.

Fig. 20 is a front perspective view from above of the thermostat of fig. 19.

Fig. 21 is a side view of a thermostat according to an example embodiment.

Fig. 22 is a rear view of the housing of the thermostat of fig. 21.

Fig. 23 is a side view of a thermostat attached to a wall according to an exemplary embodiment.

Fig. 24 is a rear perspective view from above of the thermostat in fig. 23.

Fig. 25 is a side view of a thermostat according to an example embodiment.

Fig. 26 is a front perspective view from above of a thermostat, according to an exemplary embodiment.

Fig. 27 is a front view of the thermostat of fig. 26.

Fig. 28 is a side view of the thermostat of fig. 26.

Detailed Description

Referring to the drawings in general, a multi-function user control is shown according to various exemplary embodiments. The user control may be implemented as a thermostat for controlling an HVAC system. The user control device may be implemented as a smart hub and may be connected to any of a variety of controllable systems and devices. For example, the user control device may be connected to a home automation system, a building automation system, an HVAC system, a lighting system, a security system, an electrical system, a spray system, a home entertainment system, and/or any type of system that may be monitored or controlled via the user control device. The user control devices may be implemented in any of a variety of environments (e.g., home, building, classroom, hotel, medical facility, vehicle, etc.) and are used to monitor, control, and/or facilitate user interaction with a controllable system or device in such environments. For example, the user control device may be a thermostat installed in a home or building (e.g., mounted on a wall).

The user control device includes: a housing containing electronic components and a touch-sensitive display for displaying visual media (e.g., information, text, graphics, etc.) to a user and receiving user input. The housing is selectively attachable to a mounting plate for mounting the user control device to a mounting surface, such as a wall. The housing includes a display mount or a support plate that supports the touch sensitive display. The display mount is cantilevered vertically from the base of the housing such that when the user control device is attached to the wall, the entire touch sensitive display and the display mount are spaced a distance from the wall. The touch sensitive display, the display mount, and the protective cover for the display are not opaque (e.g., transparent or translucent), which minimizes the visible footprint of the user control device to a user relative to conventional opaque user control devices. The housing may also include one or more light sources. The light source may be configured to emit illumination towards the wall, thereby producing an illumination effect on the wall. The light source may also emit light in alternative or additional directions.

The user control device may include various user interface devices (e.g., touch sensitive panels, electronic displays, speakers, haptic feedback, microphones, ambient lighting, etc.) configured to facilitate user interaction with the user control device, the user control device may include a data communication interface configured to facilitate communication between the user control device and remote sensor units, building automation systems, home automation systems, HVAC equipment, mobile devices (e.g., via WiFi, Bluetooth, NFC, L TE, L AA L TE, etc.), communication networks (e.g., L AN, WAN, 802.11, the Internet, cellular networks, etc.), and/or any other system or device to which the user control device may be connected.

The user control device may be configured to act as a networked smart hub. For example, the user control may be configured to receive voice commands from a user and to control the networked device in response to the voice commands. The user control device may be configured to connect to a mobile device (e.g., a user's phone, tablet computer, laptop computer, etc.) or other network device (e.g., a desktop computer) to allow remote monitoring and control of the networked system. The user control device may be configured to detect occupancy of a room or space in which the user control device is installed, and may perform various occupancy-based control processes. The user control may monitor the performance of the networked devices (e.g., HVAC devices) and may perform diagnostics based on data received from the HVAC devices.

The user control device may act as a wireless communication hub (e.g., wireless router, access point, etc.) and may be configured to bridge communications between various systems and devices. For example, the user control device may include a cellular communication transceiver, a modem, an ethernet transceiver, or other communication hardware configured for communication with an external communication network (e.g., a cellular network, WAN, internet, etc.). The user control device may include a WiFi transceiver configured to communicate with nearby mobile devices. The user control device may be configured for bridging communications between the mobile device and an external communication network. Such functionality allows the user control device to replace networking equipment (e.g., modems, wireless routers, etc.) in the building or vehicle and provide internet connectivity. For example, the user control device may act as a WiFi hotspot or microcell in a building or vehicle, and may communicate with the internet via an integrated ethernet transceiver, a cellular transceiver (e.g., for locations where internet service providers do not provide service), coaxial cable, or other data communication hardware.

The user control device may receive weather forecasts from a weather service as well as severe weather alerts. The user control device may have an ambient lighting component that emits a specified light color or pattern for indicating a severe weather alert or other alert. The user control device may also receive utility rate information from a utility provider. The user control device may use the weather forecast along with utility rate information to optimize (e.g., minimize) energy consumption of the home or building. In some embodiments, the user control device generates a utility bill forecast and recommends a setting modification to reduce energy consumption or energy costs. In some embodiments, the user control device receives energy consumption information of other homes/buildings from the remote system and compares the energy consumption of the connected HVAC equipment with the energy consumption of the other homes/buildings.

Fig. 1-18 illustrate a multi-function user control device or thermostat 100 according to an exemplary embodiment. The thermostat 100 is configured to be mounted on a wall (e.g., a vertical wall within a home, household, building, etc.) or other suitable mounting location (e.g., a ledge, control panel, or other surface of an object within a building space, furniture, dashboard, vehicle seat, or other vehicle surface, etc.).

As shown in fig. 14, the thermostat 100 includes a housing 102, a touch-sensitive display 104, a protective cover 106 for the display 104, a front panel or cover 108, a back panel or mounting plate 110, one or more circuit boards (shown as circuit board 112 and circuit board 114), a sensor lens or window 116, and a mold or top cover 118 covering a portion of the housing 102. The assembled components of the thermostat 100, in addition to the mounting plate 110 and any fasteners or other components used to secure the mounting plate to a mounting location, are referred to as a "thermostat body".

As shown in fig. 5 and 8, the housing 102 includes a main portion or base 120 and an overhang panel or display mount 122 extending from a front of the base 120. The base 120 defines a recess or volume 124 in which the

circuit boards

112 and 114 are positioned. The volume 124 is defined by a front wall 126, two

side walls

128 and 130, a top wall 132, and a bottom wall 134, and is closed by the mounting plate 110 when the thermostat body is attached to the mounting plate 110. The front wall 126 connects the top wall 132 to the bottom wall 134. Two

side walls

128 and 130 connect the top wall 132 to the bottom wall 134. The bottom wall 134 is angled downwardly at an angle of approximately 45 degrees from the vertical front wall 126. In other embodiments, the angle is greater or less (e.g., between 30 and 60 degrees). In other embodiments, the bottom wall or a portion of the bottom wall is curved. In other embodiments, the base 120 of the housing 102 is substantially square or rectangular in cross-section. In other embodiments, the front wall is omitted and the angled or curved bottom wall is directly connected to the top wall (e.g., resulting in the housing being triangular in cross-section). In some embodiments, the front wall is omitted and the volume 124 is open to the front of the base 120, allowing front access to the interior of the base 120.

As shown in fig. 8, the top wall 132 of the base 120 has two

sections

136 and 138, with the section 138 being recessed from the section 136 (e.g., thinner, having a smaller vertical dimension, having a smaller height, etc.). The section 138 receives a portion of the top cover 118 such that the top surface of the top cover 118 is flush with the top surface of the section 136 of the top wall 132 as shown in fig. 8.

As shown in fig. 8 and 12, a portion of the front wall 126 extends through the top wall 132 to form the display mount 122 (back panel, mounting panel). A display mount 122 depends from the base 120. The display mount 122 provides a mounting surface 142 for attaching the display 104 to the housing 102. The display mount 122 has: height 144 (measured from the top surface of top wall 132, which in the illustrated embodiment is the top surface of section 136, to the top or free end 145); a width 146 measured from a first or left side 148 to a second or right side 150; and a thickness 148 measured from the front or mounting surface 142 to the back or back surface 152. The mounting surface 142 is spaced from or recessed by a thickness 149 from a front surface of the front wall 126 forming the portion of the base 120 to form a ledge 151 for supporting the bottom edge of the touch-sensitive display 104 and the protective cover 106. The thickness 149 is the same as the thickness of the touch sensitive display 104 such that the ledge 151 supports the bottom of the display 104.

As illustrated, the display mount 122 extends upwardly from the base 120 in a cantilevered manner such that the display mount 122 is located above the base in the normal operating position of the thermostat. In an alternative embodiment, the display mount extends downwardly from the base in an overhanging manner such that the display mount is located below the base in the normal operating position of the thermostat. In an alternative embodiment, the display mount extends laterally in an overhanging manner from the base such that the display mount lies flat with one side of the base in a normal operating position of the thermostat.

The display mount 122 may be configured as a landscape display with a width 146 greater than a height 144 (as shown in fig. 1-18), a portrait display with a width 146 less than a height 144 (as shown in fig. 26-28), or a square display with a width 146 equal to a height 144. The top surface of the top wall 132 and the top side 145 of the display mount 122 are parallel to each other. Left side 148 and right side 150 are parallel to each other. The mounting surface 142 and the back surface 152 are parallel to each other. Top side 145 is perpendicular to left side 148 and right side 150. In some embodiments, the display mount 122 is arranged such that its four sides are not arranged in a rectangle or square (e.g., parallelogram, prism, trapezoid, etc.), its shape has more or less sides than four (e.g., trilateral, pentagonal, hexagonal, etc.), such as circular, such as oval or elliptical, or other shape suitable for mounting a display.

As shown in fig. 8, 10 and 13, the rear or back face 154 of the base 120 of the housing 102 is defined by the top wall 132, the

side walls

128 and 130, and the end of the bottom wall 134 located opposite the front wall 126. The rear surface 154 is arranged vertically and is flat to aid in mounting the thermostat body to a vertical wall. As shown in fig. 8, the back surface 152 of the display mount 122 is spaced a horizontal distance 156 from the back surface 154 of the base 120. As illustrated, the horizontal distance 156 is constant over the height 144 of the display mount such that the back surface 152 of the display mount 122 is parallel to the back surface 154 of the base 120. The mounting surface 142 of the display mount 122 is perpendicular to the top surface of the top wall 132. The back surface 152 of the display mount 122 is perpendicular to the top surface of the top wall 132. In other embodiments, the horizontal distance 156 may decrease from the top wall 132 of the base to the top side 145 of the display mount 122 such that the display mount 122 angles toward the wall. In other embodiments, the horizontal distance 156 may increase from the top wall 132 of the base to the top side 145 of the display mount 122 such that the display mount 122 angles away from the wall. As illustrated, the display mount 122 is part of the front wall 126 to the freestanding top end 145 (i.e., the portion extending upward from the top surface of the top wall 132). In other embodiments, the display mount 122 is a separate structure from the front wall 126. As illustrated, the display mount 122 is positioned in front of the base 120 such that the mounting surface 142 and the front surface of the front wall 126 are coplanar. In other embodiments, the display mount 122 is positioned between the front of the base 120 and the rear surface 154 of the base 120, but is spaced apart from the rear surface 154 by a horizontal distance 156 (i.e., the back surface 152 of the display mount 122 is not coplanar with the rear surface 154 of the base 120).

As shown in fig. 8, the touch sensitive display 104 is attached (e.g., by an adhesive or other suitable securing technique) to a mounting surface 142 of the display mount 122. A protective cover 106 is attached to the front surface of the display 104 for protecting the display 104 from impact and other damage. The protective cover 106 is transparent so as not to impair the display function of the touch sensitive display 104. In some embodiments, the protective cover 106 is omitted. In other embodiments, the protective cover is an integral part of the display 104.

As shown in fig. 8 and 14, in the illustrated embodiment, the housing 102 is a single integrally formed component that includes both the base 120 and the display mount 122. Forming the housing 102 as a single unitary integral component helps the thermostat 100 withstand the torque that is applied about the connection point between the display mount 122 and the base 120 when the user presses the touch-sensitive display 104. The relatively large thickness 148 of the display mount 122 also helps to withstand this moment.

As shown in FIGS. 8 and 14, touch sensitive display 104 may be a touch screen or other type of electronic display configured to present information to a user in a visual format (e.g., as text, graphics, etc.) and to receive input from the user (e.g., via a touch sensitive panel). for example, touch sensitive display 104 may include a touch sensitive panel layered over an electronic visual display. A user may provide input by touching display 104 with one or more fingers and/or a stylus/pen via simple or multi-touch gestures. touch sensitive display 104 may receive user input using any of a variety of touch sensitive technologies such as capacitive sensing (e.g., surface capacitance, projected capacitance, mutual capacitance, self-capacitance, etc.), resistive sensing, surface acoustic wave, infrared grid, infrared acrylic projection, optical imaging, dispersive signal technology, acoustic pulse recognition, or other touch sensitive technologies known in the art). many of these technologies allow for multi-touch responsiveness of display 104 that allows for touch sensitive displays registered in two or even more locations at once, and may be configured using a touch sensitive display technology such as a light emitting diode (e.g., a light emitting diode) as in a light emitting diode display (e.g., a light emitting diode) (L), a display device, such as a display device, a display device.

As shown in fig. 14, the touch-sensitive display 104, the protective cover 106, and the display mount 122 (collectively, "display components") are not opaque, which allows a user operating or viewing the thermostat 100 to see through the display components to the surface behind the display components. In embodiments where the protective cover 106 is omitted or is an integral component of the touch sensitive display 104, the "display assembly" is comprised of the touch sensitive display 104 and the display mount 122. By non-opaque is meant that at least some visible light is able to pass through the member and includes both transparent and translucent members. For example, when the thermostat 100 is mounted on a wall, the wall is visible through the display assembly. This allows the thermostat to blend into its surroundings when not in use (e.g., when no visual media is displayed on the touch screen display). In the illustrated embodiment, the entire housing 102 is not opaque. In other embodiments, only the display mount 122 portion of the housing is not opaque. The housing 102 may be formed from a variety of materials (e.g., polymers including acrylics, metals, composites, laminates, etc.).

As shown in fig. 8 and 14, the housing 102 may contain various electronic components, including: one or more sensors, components configured to perform control functions (e.g., circuit boards, processing circuitry, memory, processors, etc.), components configured to facilitate communications (e.g., WiFi transceivers, cellular transceivers, communication interfaces, etc.), and components configured to provide a visual display via the touch-sensitive display 104 (e.g., video cards or modules, etc.).

The sensors may include temperature sensors, humidity sensors, motion or occupancy sensors (e.g., passive infrared sensors), air quality sensors (e.g., carbon monoxide, carbon dioxide, allergens, smoke, etc.), proximity sensors (e.g., thermopile energy meters for detecting the presence of humans and/or NFC, RFID, bluetooth, sensors for detecting the presence of mobile devices, etc.), cameras, microphones, light sensors, vibration sensors, or any other type of sensor configured to measure a variable state or condition of the environment in which the thermostat 100 is installed. In some embodiments, the proximity sensor is for: turning on the display 104 to present visual media when the user approaches the thermostat 100; and turn off the display 104 when the user is not near the thermostat 100, resulting in less power usage and longer display life. Some sensors, such as proximity sensors, motion sensors, cameras, light sensors, or optical sensors, may be positioned within the housing 102 to monitor the space near the thermostat 100 through the sensor lens 116. The lens 116 is not opaque and allows light of a frequency required for at least a particular sensor to function to pass through the lens, thereby allowing the sensor to "see" or "look" through the lens 116.

In other embodiments, one or more sensors may be located outside of the housing 102 and may provide input to the thermostat 100 via a data communication link. For example, one or more sensors may be mounted in a tool box behind the thermostat 100, in a separate tool box mounted within the same wall as the thermostat 100 is mounted, or otherwise located throughout a room or space monitored or controlled by the thermostat 100 (e.g., in a wall, in a ceiling, in an open area of a room or space, in a duct that provides airflow to or receives airflow from a room or space, etc.). This allows the thermostat 100 to monitor inputs from various sensors located at different locations. For example, a humidity sensor may be positioned in a wall and configured to measure humidity within the wall (e.g., to detect a water leak or pipe burst).

As shown in fig. 5,7, and 8, the

circuit boards

112 and 114 may include one or more sensors (e.g., temperature sensors, humidity sensors, etc.), communication electronics, processing circuitry, and/or other electronics configured to facilitate the functions of the thermostat 100. As shown in fig. 8, the

circuit boards

112 and 114 are oriented substantially parallel to the display mount 122 and the rear surface 154 of the base 120. The

circuit boards

112 and 114 may be spaced apart from each other in a direction perpendicular to the display mount 122 and the rear surface 154. In other embodiments, one or both of the

circuit boards

112 and 114 may be oriented substantially perpendicular to the display mount 122 and the rear surface 154.

In some embodiments, the circuit board 112 functions at least in part as a sensor board and has one or more sensors, including a proximity sensor 158, a motion or occupancy sensor 160, and a temperature sensor 162. In some embodiments, the circuit board 114 functions at least in part as a control board and includes processing electronics 164, a power source or battery 166, and input terminals 168 for receiving wiring from the HVAC system to be controlled by the thermostat. Processing electronics 164 are coupled to touch-sensitive display 104 (e.g., by a cable or wiring harness) to receive user input from display 104 and to provide output to control display 104 to control operation of display 104. In some embodiments, the power source 166 is rechargeable. In some embodiments, the power source 166 may be replaced by a user. The processing electronics may include a processor and a memory device. The processor may be implemented as a general purpose processor, an Application Specific Integrated Circuit (ASIC), one or more Field Programmable Gate Arrays (FPGAs), a set of processing components, or other suitable electronic processing components. A memory device (e.g., memory unit, storage device, etc.) is one or more devices (e.g., RAM, ROM, flash memory, hard disk storage, etc.) for storing data and/or computer code for performing or facilitating the various processes, layers, and modules described herein. The memory device may be or include volatile memory or non-volatile memory. The memory devices may include database components, object code components, script components, or any other type of information structure for supporting the various activities and information structures described herein. According to an exemplary embodiment, the memory device is communicatively connected to the processor via the processing circuitry and includes computer code for performing (e.g., by the processing circuitry and/or the processor) one or more processes described herein. In some embodiments, the electronic components are found on a single circuit board, distributed differently among the two

circuit boards

112 and 114, or distributed differently among more than two circuit boards.

As shown in fig. 1, 2, 6, and 14, the front cover 108 covers a portion of the front wall 126 below the display mount 122, a bottom wall 134, and portions of two

side walls

128 and 130 of the housing 102. The front cover 108 may be formed from a variety of materials (e.g., polymers including acrylics, metals, composites, laminates, etc.). The front cover 108 includes a front wall 170 and a bottom wall 172 that correspond or mate with the front wall 126 and the bottom wall 134 of the housing 102. In the illustrated embodiment, the front cover 108 is removably attached to the housing 102 (e.g., by magnets, by snap-fit connections, by screws, or other mechanical fasteners). Removably attaching the front cover 108 allows the end user to customize the appearance of the thermostat 100 by allowing him to choose among front covers made of different materials or having different colors or finishes. In some embodiments, the front cover 108 is attached to the housing 102 by a hinge. In some embodiments, the front cover 108 is omitted and an aperture for the sensor lens is formed in the housing. As shown in fig. 8, the front cover 108 in combination with the protective cover 106 serve to form a continuous or flush front surface of the thermostat 100.

As shown in fig. 6-8, the sensor lens 116 is positioned within an aperture or opening 171 formed through the bottom wall 134 of the front cover 108 and through the bottom wall 134 of the base 120 of the housing 102. As illustrated, the aperture 171 is three-sided, open-sided at the rear surface 154 of the housing 102. This places the lens 116 and the aperture 171 near the lower end of the front cover 108 and near the lower end of the housing 102. In some embodiments, the lens 116 and aperture 171 are positioned near an upper end of the front cover 108 and near an upper end of the housing 102 (e.g., near the display assembly). The lens 116 may be secured in the aperture 171 by friction or a snap fit, adhesive, or other suitable securing technique. In some embodiments, the thermostat 100 includes a plurality of sensor lenses located in corresponding apertures in the front cover 108 or in corresponding apertures in the housing 102 or top cover 118.

As shown in fig. 14, the top cover 118 is removably attached to the housing 102. The top cover 118 includes a top wall 119 and two

side walls

121 and 123 depending downwardly from the top wall 119. The top wall 119 of the top cover 118 covers a portion of the top wall 132 of the base 120, while the two

side walls

121 and 123 of the top cover 118 cover a portion of the two

side walls

128 and 130 of the base 120. The top cover 118 includes a plurality of apertures or openings 174 that allow increased air flow to the housing 102, which may help cool the electronic components located within the housing 102. In the illustrated embodiment, the orifice 174 is a series of relatively small circular perforations. In other embodiments, the apertures 174 may be larger, shaped differently, and/or formed as slits or louvers. The top cover 118 may be formed from a variety of materials (e.g., polymers including acrylics, metals, composites, laminates, etc.). In the illustrated embodiment, the top cover 118 is removably attached to the housing 102 (e.g., by magnets, by snap-fit connections, by screws, or other mechanical fasteners). Removably attaching the top cover 118 allows the end user to customize the appearance of the thermostat 100 by allowing him to choose among top covers made of different materials or having different colors or finishes. In some embodiments, the top cover 118 is attached to the housing 102 by a hinge. In some embodiments, the top cover 118 is omitted from the thermostat 100.

As shown in fig. 4, 8 and 14, the mounting plate 110 includes a main portion or base 176 and four attachment tabs 178 extending perpendicularly away from the base 176. As shown in fig. 4 and 15, the mounting plate 110 includes a rear surface 177 configured to sit flush against a wall 200 or other surface to which the thermostat 100 is to be mounted. The base 176 includes an aperture or opening 180 configured to allow control lines from the HVAC system to be controlled by the thermostat 100 to pass through the mounting plate 110 and connect to the input terminals 168 located within the housing 102. As illustrated, the aperture 180 is centrally located in the base 176. Two fastener apertures or

openings

182 and 184 are formed through the base 176 and are spaced apart from one another. Each

aperture

182 and 184 allows a screw 186 or other mechanical fastener to pass through the base 176 in order to attach the mounting plate 110 to a wall or other mounting location. As illustrated, the aperture 182 is circular and the aperture 184 is an elongated slot. The elongated slot allows a user to rotate the mounting plate 110 relative to the mounting hole in the wall to level the mounting plate 110 horizontally before tightening the fastener to secure the mounting plate 110 in place on the wall. In some embodiments, the

apertures

182 and 184 are spaced apart by a standard thermostat mounting distance so that the thermostat 100 can be used to replace current thermostats without having to drill new mounting holes in the wall to which the thermostat 100 is being attached.

As shown in fig. 4 and 14, the attachment tab 178 is arranged to extend into the volume 124 within the base 120 of the housing 102. Each tab 178 includes an aperture or opening 188 for receiving a screw or other fastener to attach the housing 102 to the mounting plate 110. As shown in fig. 5, the housing 102 includes corresponding apertures or openings 190 formed in the top wall 132 and the bottom wall 134 for allowing the fasteners to extend through the housing 102 to the attachment tabs. One or both of the

apertures

188 and 190 of each pair may be threaded for use with a threaded fastener. The aperture 190 in the top wall 132 is covered by the top cover 118, while the aperture 190 in the bottom wall 134 is covered by the front cover 108. In some embodiments, the attachment tabs 178 are replaced with snap-fit connections, spring-biased arms, or other attachments suitable for attaching the housing 102 to the mounting plate 110. As shown in fig. 8, when the housing 102 is attached to the mounting plate 110, the mounting plate 110 is positioned within the volume 124 formed in the interior of the housing 102, with the rear surface 177 of the mounting plate 176 flush with the rear surface 154 of the base 120 of the housing 102. This covers the mounting plate 110 from the view of an observer or user of the thermostat 100.

As shown in fig. 17 and 18, the thermostat 100 is attached to a wall 200. The display assembly (e.g., touch sensitive display 104, protective cover 106, and display mount 122) is not opaque, which allows a user or viewer to see the wall 200 through the display assembly. When no visual media is displayed on the touch-sensitive display 104, the display assembly may blend into its surroundings, thereby reducing its visual impact on the wall 200 and the space surrounding the wall 200. For example, an observer sees the color of the painted wall 200 through the display assembly, with only the non-opaque parts of the thermostat 100 (e.g., the front cover 108 and the top cover 118) obscuring or covering the observer's view of the wall 200. This has less visual impact on the non-opaque parts covering the wall than a conventional thermostat, which is opaque throughout. Visual impact may be further reduced by matching the color of the front cover 108 and top cover 118 to the color of the wall.

As shown in fig. 16 and 18, the display assembly is spaced from the wall 200 with the back surface 152 of the display mount 122 spaced from the wall 200 by a horizontal distance 156, leaving a gap 202 between the display mount 122 and the wall 200. In conventional thermostats, there is no gap between the display assembly and the wall similar to the gap 202 filled with the ambient atmosphere near the thermostat 100. Conventional thermostats are mounted flush with a wall such that the total or substantially the total circumference of the thermostat is in contact with the wall or a mounting plate having a total circumference that is the same as or greater than the total circumference of the thermostat is in contact with the wall. In contrast to what is shown in fig. 13, for the thermostat 100, the perimeter 204 of the rear surface 154 of the base 120 of the housing 102 that contacts the wall 200 is much less than the overall perimeter 206 of the housing 102 (i.e., the combined perimeter of the back surface 152 of the display mount 122 and the perimeter 204 of the rear surface 154 of the base 120). The gap 202 and the reduced perimeter 204 of the contact wall 200 each help the thermostat's temperature sensor 162 to read conditions as close to room environmental conditions as possible, which may often be at a lower temperature than the room environmental conditions, by spacing the temperature sensor from the wall 200. The gap 202 and reduced perimeter 204 of the contact wall 200 also help improve airflow around the touch-sensitive display 104, thereby dissipating heat that would be transferred to the housing and other components of a conventional thermostat.

Referring to fig. 19-20, an alternative exemplary embodiment of a thermostat 100 is illustrated. A bracket or tab 208 extends outwardly from the back surface 152 of the display mount and is configured to contact the wall 200 on which the thermostat 100 is mounted. The bracket 208 may be part of a single integrally formed housing 102 or may be a separate component that is attached to the display mount (e.g., by adhesive, mechanical fasteners, heat staking, or other suitable attachment techniques). The brace 208 helps to resist the moment applied about the connection point between the display mount 122 and the base 120 when the user presses the touch-sensitive display screen 104. In the illustrated embodiment, three brackets 208 are provided. In other embodiments, more or fewer brackets are provided.

Referring to fig. 21-24, the thermostat 100 may include one or more light sources 210 (e.g., light emitting diodes) configured to provide ambient lighting and/or other lighting effects associated with the thermostat 100. Fig. 21 and 22 illustrate an exemplary embodiment of a thermostat 100 having a display mount 122 that includes a waveguide 212 for guiding light from a light source 210 within the display mount 122. As illustrated, the waveguide 212 forms a frame that surrounds three sides (top, left, and right) of the display mount 122. The waveguide 212 may include one or more optical fibers within or attached to the display mount 122. Fig. 23 and 24 illustrate an exemplary embodiment of the thermostat 100 having a plurality of light sources 210 disposed in a section 136 of the top wall 132 of the base 120 of the housing 102. In some embodiments, the light source 210 (with or without the waveguide 212 (fig. 23)) is configured to emit light toward a wall or other surface on which the thermostat 100 is mounted. When white light is directed at the wall, the display components (e.g., the touch-sensitive display 104, the protective cover 106, and the display mount 122) appear more transparent to the user, further helping the display components blend into their background. The light source 210 may also be controlled to provide a notification or alert to the user (e.g., yellow for an alarm or warning, red for an emergency, etc.). The steady light or flashing light may also provide different notifications or warnings to the user (e.g., flashing lights indicate an alert that has not been acknowledged by the user, while solid lights are used to indicate an alert that has been acknowledged by the user). The light sources 210 may be controlled by a user (e.g., color, brightness, or other characteristics of light) for providing an atmosphere or ambient lighting desired by the user.

Fig. 25 illustrates an exemplary embodiment of a thermostat 100 having the ability to receive various interchangeable modules or components. The housing 102 includes an aperture or opening 214 for receiving a module 216 that is electrically connected to one or other of the

circuit boards

112 and 114 to provide additional functionality to the thermostat 100. The various modules 216 allow a user to upgrade or customize the thermostat 100 to include features selected by the user. For example, the thermostat 100 may include any of the features of the modular thermostat described in U.S. provisional patent application No. 62/260,141 filed 11/25/2015, and any of the features of the thermostat described in U.S. provisional patent application No. 62/275,199 filed 1/5/2016, each of which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety. Module 216 may include a communication transceiver (e.g., ZIGBEE, ZWAVE, near field communication, cellular, etc.), additional sensors, and additional power supplies, or other electronic components. In some embodiments, the thermostat 100 provides for the use of more than one module 216 and includes corresponding apertures 214 in the housing 102. A wired port 218 (e.g., a USB port) may be provided for allowing external wired communication and/or power to and from the electronic components of the thermostat 100. An aperture 220 may be provided to allow access to a reset button located within the housing to allow a user to insert a device (e.g., a pen, paperclip, etc.) to manually shut down the power supply and restart the thermostat 100.

Fig. 26-28 illustrate a multi-function user control device or thermostat 300 according to an exemplary embodiment. The thermostat 300 is substantially similar to the thermostat 300. Those components similar to the thermostat 100 are numbered 300 instead of 100. The thermostat 300 includes a portrait display assembly in which the touch sensitive display 302, the display mount 322, and the protective cover 306 (if included, separated from the display 302) have a height 344 that is greater than a width 346.

The construction and arrangement of the systems and methods as shown in the exemplary embodiments are illustrative only. Although only a few embodiments have been described in detail in this disclosure, many modifications are possible (e.g., variations in sizes, dimensions, structures, shapes and proportions of the various elements, values of parameters, mounting arrangements, use of materials, colors, orientations, etc.). For example, the position of elements may be reversed or otherwise varied, and the nature or number of discrete elements or positions may be altered or varied. Accordingly, all such modifications are intended to be included within the scope of this disclosure. The order or sequence of any process or method steps may be varied or re-sequenced according to alternative embodiments. Other substitutions, modifications, changes, and omissions may be made in the design, operating conditions, and arrangement of the exemplary embodiments without departing from the scope of the present disclosure. References herein to positions of elements (e.g., "top," "bottom," "above," "below," "upward," "downward," etc.) are used to describe the orientation of the elements relative to each other with the user control device in its normal operating position, as shown in the figures.

The present disclosure contemplates methods, systems, and program products on any machine-readable media for accomplishing operations. Embodiments of the present disclosure may be implemented using an existing computer processor, or by a special purpose computer processor in conjunction with a suitable system for this or another purpose, or by a hardwired system. Embodiments within the scope of the present disclosure include program products comprising machine-readable media for carrying or having machine-executable instructions or data structures stored thereon. Such machine-readable media can be any available media that can be accessed by a general purpose or special purpose computer or other machine with a processor. By way of example, such computer-readable media can comprise RAM, ROM, EPROM, EEPROM, CD-ROM or other optical disk storage, magnetic disk storage or other magnetic storage devices, etc., or any other medium which can be used to carry or store desired program code in the form of machine-executable instructions or data structures and which can be accessed by a general purpose or special purpose computer or other machine with a processor. Combinations of the above are also included within the scope of machine-readable media. Machine-executable instructions comprise, for example, instructions and data which cause a general purpose computer, special purpose computer, or special purpose processing machines to perform a certain function or group of functions.

Although the figures show the method steps in a specified order, the order of the steps may differ from that depicted. Two or more steps may also be performed simultaneously or partially simultaneously. Such variations will depend on the software and hardware systems chosen and on designer choice. All such variations are within the scope of the present disclosure. Likewise, software implementations could be accomplished with standard programming techniques with rule based logic and other logic to accomplish the various connection steps, processing steps, comparison steps and decision steps.

Claims

1. A thermostat, comprising:

a housing, the housing comprising:

a base comprising a top wall, a bottom wall, a front wall connecting the top wall to the bottom wall, a first side wall connecting the top wall to the bottom wall, and a second side wall connecting the top wall to the bottom wall, wherein the top wall, the bottom wall, the first side wall, and the second side wall define an interior volume; and

a display mount depending upwardly from the top wall of the base, the display mount being located above the base in a normal operating position of the thermostat, the display mount including a mounting surface perpendicular to the top wall of the base;

wherein the housing is not opaque;

a touch-sensitive display configured to display visual media and receive user input, wherein the touch-sensitive display is attached to the mounting surface of the display mount, and wherein the touch-sensitive display is not opaque; and

processing electronics positioned within the interior volume of the base, wherein the processing electronics are configured to operate the touch-sensitive display.

2. The thermostat of claim 1, wherein the housing is a single, unitary component.

3. The thermostat of claim 2, further comprising:

a plurality of wire terminals positioned within the interior volume and each configured to secure one of a plurality of control wires from an HVAC system.

4. The thermostat of claim 3, further comprising:

a mounting plate configured to attach the housing to a mounting surface, wherein the mounting plate is positioned within the interior volume of the base and removably attached to the base, and wherein the mounting plate includes apertures configured to allow the plurality of control lines to pass through the mounting plate into the interior volume of the base.

5. The thermostat of claim 4, wherein ends of the top wall, the bottom wall, the first side wall, and the second side wall distal from the front wall define a planar rear surface of the base; and is

Wherein the mounting plate includes a rear surface that is flush with the rear surface of the base when the mounting plate is attached to the base.

6. The thermostat of claim 1, further comprising:

a front cover removably attached to the housing, wherein the front cover covers at least a portion of the front wall and covers at least a portion of the bottom wall.

7. The thermostat of claim 6, further comprising:

a sensor lens positioned in an aperture formed through the front cover and the base; and

a sensor positioned within the interior volume of the base and aligned with the sensor lens.

8. The thermostat of claim 7, wherein the sensor is a proximity sensor.

9. The thermostat of claim 7, wherein the sensor is an occupancy sensor.

10. The thermostat of claim 1, further comprising:

a top cover removably attached to the housing, wherein the top cover covers at least a portion of the top wall, at least a portion of the first side wall, and at least a portion of the second side wall.

11. The thermostat of claim 1, further comprising:

a protective cover attached to the touch-sensitive display such that the touch-sensitive display is positioned between the protective cover and the display mount.

12. The thermostat of claim 1, wherein the housing is transparent.

13. The thermostat of claim 1, wherein the housing is translucent.

14. The thermostat of claim 1, wherein the touch-sensitive display is transparent.

15. The thermostat of claim 1, wherein the touch-sensitive display is translucent.

16. A thermostat, comprising:

a housing, the housing comprising:

a base comprising a top wall, a bottom wall, a front wall connecting the top wall to the bottom wall, a first side wall connecting the top wall to the bottom wall, and a second side wall connecting the top wall to the bottom wall, wherein the top wall, the bottom wall, the first side wall, and the second side wall define an interior volume, and wherein ends of the top wall, the bottom wall, the first side wall, and the second side wall distal from the front wall define a planar rear surface of the base; and

wherein the housing is not opaque;

a touch-sensitive display configured to display visual media and receive user input, wherein the touch-sensitive display is attached to the mounting surface of the display mount, and wherein the touch-sensitive display is not opaque;

processing electronics positioned within the interior volume of the base, wherein the processing electronics are configured to operate the touch-sensitive display;

a plurality of wire terminals positioned within the interior volume and each configured to secure one of a plurality of control wires from an hvac system;

a mounting plate configured to attach the housing to a mounting surface, wherein the mounting plate is positioned within the interior volume of the base and removably attached to the base, wherein the mounting plate includes apertures configured to allow the plurality of control lines to pass through the mounting plate into the interior volume of the base, and wherein the mounting plate includes a rear surface that is flush with a rear surface of the base when the mounting plate is attached to the base;

a front cover removably attached to the housing, wherein the front cover covers at least a portion of the front wall and covers at least a portion of the bottom wall; and

17. The thermostat of claim 16, wherein the housing is a single, unitary component.

18. A thermostat, comprising:

a housing, the housing comprising:

a base defining an interior volume; and

a display mount depending upwardly, downwardly or laterally from the base, the display mount being located above, below or level with a side of the base in a normal operating position of the thermostat, the display mount including a mounting surface perpendicular to an outer surface of the base;

wherein the housing is not opaque;

19. The thermostat of claim 18, wherein the housing is a single, unitary component.

20. The thermostat of claim 19, wherein the housing and the touch-sensitive display are translucent.